Appeals court upholds continued detention

Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, Gabon’s leading opposition voice against President Brice Oligui Nguema, has been held since April 16 amid allegations of embezzlement and fraud dating back to 2008. On Tuesday, the Libreville appeals court dismissed his legal team’s motion for procedural nullity, ensuring his continued detention. His attorneys argue the charges are time-barred and lack substantive legal foundation.

Defense team alleges procedural violations

Me Arthur Vercken, Bilie-By-Nze’s lawyer, issued a statement condemning what he termed a ‘serious violation’ of Gabonese law and fair trial guarantees. The opposition party Ensemble pour le Gabon claims Bilie-By-Nze was detained under ‘harsh conditions’ and denied access to counsel during early custody hours before formal remand.

President invokes judicial independence

Responding to questions about the case, President Brice Oligui Nguema emphasized the executive’s non-involvement, stating ‘This is a private matter’ while affirming the judiciary’s independence. A former Prime Minister under Ali Bongo’s administration, Bilie-By-Nze lost the 2025 presidential election to Oligui Nguema. His arrest followed repeated public criticisms of government policies, including social media restrictions and nationality code reforms.